The 2016 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru includes 20% whole bunch with around 15% new oak (although the average age of the barrels is younger). It has an open and expressive bouquet, predominantly red fruit at the fore although I would be seeking just a little more precision given the vineyard. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannin, a little angular at the moment and again, just needing more finesse on the finish. At the moment, the Clos Saint-Denis is a couple of furlongs ahead in style and sophistication. This needs to up its game during the rest of its barrel maturation.

The 2015 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru has an expressive bouquet with vibrant raspberry and wild strawberry scents, a touch of gravel and granite developing with continued aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with a candied opening, plenty of blood orange and even tangerine permeating the black fruit with a sweet, opulent finish that would benefit from just a tad more restraint. Good potential though and there seems to be a budding sense of joie de vivre.

The 2014 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru, of which there are seven barrels this year, has a detailed, "cool" bouquet that gradually unfurls in the glass, offering Morello, crushed strawberry and cold limestone scents. The palate is beautifully balanced with fine tannin, gently gripping the mouth, with the mineral core very expressive on the finish. This is the standout 2014 from Cyprièn this vintage.